How does the Inspire HR compare to the Alta HR?

[markand]

I currently have an Alta HR and like the form factor and features very much, though I do wish the display were a bit better. In bright sunlight, it can be hard to see.

How does the Inspire HR compare? It seems cheaper than the Alta HR, though does have some nice features such as usable in the pool. 

Can anyone compare the two? I don't want to take a step down and FitBit doesn't spell out the differences very well.

[SunsetRunner]

I would be a little gun shy on this one until some reviews have surfaced. The "new" Charge 3 has been a complete and utter failure, and Fitbit seems to have totally forgotten about it, but yet continue to push out more new models.  That being said, It looks promising. Larger screen, waterproof, proper touch screen, and more notifications are all upgrades over your current Alta. I guess all we can do is wait and see. 

[markand]

Since posting I read a TechCrunch article which said that the Inspire HR replaces the Alta HR and a number of other devices in the FitBit stable. I'm a bit disappointed that https://www.fitbit.com/compare doesn't allow you to compare to the Alta.

Fitbit, if you care about getting your current customers to upgrade, please provide info as to what's new and improved.

@SunsetRunner - I hear you re: waiting a bit. I also would add that to a degree, FitBit blew the launch because if you search for info on the Inspire & I HR, including on this forum, you see a number of announcements about how it is for the corporate market only.

[DramaQueenDiva]

I just started wearing an Inspire HR and I have an Alta HR. I'm currently testing this feature, so I'll let you all know in a few days.

[markand]

@DramaQueenDiva - that sounds great. Thank you!

[Ivrygrl320]

@DramaQueenDiva Yes please

[KelseyClubb]

@Mark10364  I have both and I can tell you that the display is still hard to see in the sunlight for the Inspire HR. It is made of cheaper materials, but it doesn't feel cheap to me while wearing it.

The Inspire HR adds:

• Swim-proofing and the ability to track pool swimming as an exercise
• Connected GPS (see real-time pace and distance during a workout, see route map after)
• Touchscreen and Physical Button (helps make navigation easier)
• Multi-sport exercise tracking (start a specific exercise from your tracker and see stats during your workout)
• Goal-based exercise tracking (start an exercise with a time, distance, or calories burned goal and be notified when you're halfway and when you've met your goal).
• All smartphone app notifications (not just limited to call, text, and calendar)
• Timer and stopwatch
• Guided Breathing
• Turn screen wake (quick view) and notifications on and off via your tracker (don't have to use your phone; helpful if you wear your tracker to sleep)

For me, the five underlined features above would make it worth upgrading from the Alta HR.

The only feature that might make the Alta HR better for some people is that the Alta HR has an "Up to 7 days" battery life, while the Inspire HR has an "Up to 5 days battery life."

Hope that helps.

[kackag]

Please could you inform about the parameters like width of the band. Is it the same like Alta? Thank you.

[NellyG]

@kackag from the specs - width

inspire   .63in

Alta        .61in

So the inspire is a little wider

[fegriffith]

Is it me, or does this nearly sound like an upgrade for the Charge 2, as well.  I know the Charge 3 is the supposed upgrade but I hated the Charge 3 so much I went back to a Charge 2.  

I had the Alta HR and the one and only thing I so desperately wanted it to do was be able to start exercise from the device.  That was THE only reason I upgraded to a Charge 2 to begin with.  

While I do like my Charge 2, I hate the Charge 3, and I'm not overly worried about a step count.  In my mind the Inspire HR is indeed a nice upgrade to the Alta HR and possibly an upgrade to the Charge 2 or at the very least pretty lateral, but a smaller form factor.  If the swappable bands get the same level of support the Charge 2 (and the Alta HR) I'd think I'd be very happy with this!  @KelseyClubb Thank you for your fabulous, informative post.

[markand]

@fegriffith - According to FitBit, the Inspire HR is not an upgrade to the Charge 3. You can see all of the current trackers at https://www.fitbit.com/compare or on the community front page. When comparing the two, it seems that the Charge 3 has step counting, quick replies and fitbit pay.

I am a little worried that the Inspire HR provides some nice new features but is less attractive than the Alta HR based on @KelseyClubb saying that it's made of cheaper materials.

[fegriffith]

@markand actually I said an upgrade to the Charge 2. From what I see you lose stair counting .

[HoofnIt03]

I agree about your underlined items....at this point there is no way my Inspire could handle it if I left everything on.  As it is, I am charging this thing every TWO days and that is with the extra notifications off.  Nothing fancy running...just the basics.

I miss my Alta HR.

[HoofnIt03]

I hope this isn't a duplicate response...I typed one up and don't see it anywhere.  So here goes again...

I started with the Alta HR (loved it!) - at home I dropped it and at the speed of light my dog pounced and bit it almost in half!  When getting ready to order another through work (the Corporate program for this item) I saw the Inspire HR and thought it was going to replace the Alta....so I got it.

Even though it says the battery can last up to 5 days I have never made it beyond 3 1/2 days and that was ONE time.  All other charges have been TWO days.  I was trouble shooting and even have the notifications off - it doesn't track my sleep - I have heartrate off - I turned off things that would suck battery.  So what is the point of having it if I can't make use of the 'cool features'?

So at this point - I wish I would have spent the little extra and got another Alta HR even if it is more basic than this unit.  This one looks nice enough but looking pretty doesn't do the job.  If the battery would last 5 days just tracking my movement (steps)  I would suck it up and keep the thing until it quit.  Right now????  I want another Alta HR!

[markand]

@fegriffith - oh, sorry about that. Will all the 2's and 3's I got confused.

[fbgirl]

What are the differences between the Alta HR and the Inspire HR?

[wmchapman]

Primarily a bit more robust, an improved band, and an available clip on accessory.

https://www.fitbit.com/compare

available accessory

[BBurgDave]

A bit more than that I think.  The Inspire HR has connected GPS, can manually start workouts and it is water proof.

[wmchapman]

no more clip on charging either, now attaches magnetically.

[Heather-S]

@fegriffith I think you would enjoy the Inspire HR as an upgrade from your Charge 2.  I'm loving my Inspire HR, honestly.  It's very lightweight, sleek, feminine and looks nice on my small wrist.